Page 75 of Safe Place

“Woah, what’s going on?” I ask, stepping inside and seeing Sophie in my kitchen, focused, her hair slightly messy, an apron tied around her waist as she slices into a perfectly seared steak.

She glances up, her whole face lighting up. “You’re here!”

Before I can say anything else, she sets the knife down, unties the apron, and runs to me. She jumps, wrapping her arms around my neck, and I catch her easily, holding her close. Without thinking, I kiss her like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“Just in time,” she says, breathless and smiling.

I hug her closer, glancing over her shoulder at the plates on the counter. “What is all this? And why are you in such a good mood?” I ask, narrowing my eyes playfully, though I can’t stop the grin tugging at my lips.

She slips out of my hold, grabs her phone from the counter, scrolls for a second, then turns the screen toward me, her eyes sparkling.

Subject: Congratulations, Ms. Lennox – You’ve Been Awarded the Evergreen Promise Scholarship

Dear Sophie,

We are thrilled to inform you that you have been selected as a recipient of the Evergreen Promise Scholarship, which will fully cover your tuition, housing, and all other necessary expenses to support your studies from next semester through the completion of your law degree.

Your dedication, resilience, and outstanding academic performance stood out among an exceptional pool of applicants. The selection committee was deeply moved by your determination to pursue law and your commitment to making a meaningful impact…

“Congratulations, baby,” I say, pulling her in for a quick kiss. “I told you you had a chance.”

“This is all thanks to you, Micah,” she says, looking up at me with those big brown eyes. “I would’ve never even found this scholarship if it weren’t for you.”

I shake my head. “No, Sophie. This is all because of how hard you work.”

Her smile softens, almost shy. “Things are really starting to look up for me.”

“Guess I’m your good luck charm,” I tease, shrugging at her as I pull her in for another kiss. “You should keep me around forever.”

Her cheeks flush, and it’s so damn cute I can’t stop grinning.

“Well,” she says, still blushing, “I wanted to thank you for being my good luck charm, so I decided to cook you dinner.”

I glance toward the kitchen, raising an eyebrow. “I haven’t had a home-cooked meal in years. You went all out with steak? You could’ve made something cheaper, Sophie.”

She shrugs lightly, smiling. “Well, with this scholarship, a lot of my expenses will be covered now. So I have a little room to spend.”

“And you’re spending it on me?” I press a hand over my heart, feigning dramatics. “I’m touched.”

“Of course, Micah. I’d do so much more for you if I could.” She says it softly, but there’s a sincerity in her voice that hits me straight in the chest.

Then her face brightens, and she adds, “Oh! And I was able to quit my job at the bookstore. I don’t think I need it anymore, and I’d rather use the time to study so I can actually do well on the LSAT next year and get into law school. I was debating whether to quit that or the cafe, but…” She glances at me, cheeks pinking again. “I figured working at the cafe gives me more of an excuse to see you, since you live right here.”

I can’t help but smile at her. I lean closer. “You don’t need an excuse to see me, Sophie. Just come see me.”

Sophie’s still smiling as she sets the plates down—perfectly cooked steak, roasted potatoes, and green beans.

“Sit,” she says, motioning to my usual spot at the counter.

I take the seat, leaning an elbow on the cool quartz. She looks like she belongs here. I don’t know what it is about her—she could be unwrapping a stick of gum and I’d still be completely locked in.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” I tell her again.

“I wanted to.” She slides into the seat across from me, resting her chin in her hand like she’s settling in for a conversation.

We eat in comfortable silence, but she keeps glancing at me like there’s something on her mind. And of course I notice—because I’ve realized I’m always looking at her.

“What?” I ask finally, smirking.